Compare costs, NCLEX-PN outcomes, and career paths at Wisconsin's highest-rated practical nursing programs.
A practical nursing diploma from a Wisconsin technical college costs under $7,500 in tuition, while private for-profit programs can exceed $20,000. That gap matters because employers like Advocate Aurora and Marshfield Clinic Health System hire LPNs steadily, making affordability a priority.
The ten programs ranked below, drawn from Wisconsin’s technical colleges and a few private schools, are evaluated on net price, graduate earnings, and licensure pass rates. Wisconsin’s LPN training is concentrated in the public two-year college system, where a one-year diploma qualifies graduates to sit for the NCLEX-PN and start work in settings from long-term care to hospital floors.
Wisconsin's technical college system anchors practical nursing training across the state, with every ranked program operating as a campus-based diploma with heavy clinical hours. The list below balances net price, institution-wide graduation rates, and long-term graduate earnings to surface schools that combine affordability with strong employment outcomes.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lakeshore Technical College | Cleveland, WI | $10,000/yr (net price) | Cost-conscious students needing evening classes | |
Lakeshore Technical College’s PN diploma runs on a part-time evening schedule at the Cleveland campus, blending 31 credits over five terms with clinicals at the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin Center for Health Care Excellence. The curriculum is built explicitly around Wisconsin licensure requirements, and a Medical Assistant-to-LPN bridge saves time for those with prior healthcare experience. The school reports a median graduate debt of just $7,000, the lowest in this ranking, and its net price stays under $10,000 for in-state students.
| |||||
| #2 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay, WI | $5,000 – $10,000/yr | Multi-campus access with high NCLEX pass rates | |
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College delivers its PN technical diploma at four campus locations and offers both full- and part-time tracks, making it one of the most geographically accessible options. The program reports a 97% graduate employment rate and a 92% first-attempt NCLEX pass rate. All 34 credits transfer into NWTC’s associate degree in nursing, and a bridge program exists for certified medical assistants. Median earnings a decade after enrollment reach $44,553, while net price hovers just below $10,000 for in-state students.
| |||||
| #3 | Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr | High college completers seeking strong peer cohort | |
Fox Valley Technical College’s full-time PN diploma in Appleton couples a compact 30-credit curriculum with the highest institution-wide graduation rate in this list (64.7%). The program is ACEN-accredited and maintains a selective admissions process that includes an entrance exam and a 2.75 minimum high school GPA, contributing to a strong 80% retention rate. While the net price is $11,407, the short time to completion and high graduation rate often translate into a quicker entry to the workforce; median earnings a decade after enrollment sit at $45,684.
| |||||
| #4 | Gateway Technical College | Kenosha, WI | $13,000/yr | ||
Gateway Technical College offers its 30-credit PN diploma at the Elkhorn and Racine campuses with three start dates each year. The program claims a 95% first-time NCLEX pass rate and articulates directly into Gateway’s associate degree in nursing for those planning to become RNs. While the net price is higher at $12,928 and median debt reaches $12,165, the school serves a high-need population, with 75.9% of students receiving Pell Grants and designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.
| |||||
| #5 | Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee, WI | $9,000/yr | ||
Milwaukee Area Technical College runs a 32-credit PN diploma with fall and spring starts and a competitive waitlist process. Admission demands a high school diploma, a 2.5 GPA, a B- or higher in anatomy, and a TEAS score of at least 58.7%. The program feeds directly into MATC’s registered nursing associate degree. Despite the lowest institution-wide graduation rate in this list (24.6%), the low net price of $9,112 and a student-faculty ratio of 10:1 keep it a practical option in the state’s largest metro area.
| |||||
| #6 | Chippewa Valley Technical College | Eau Claire, WI | $12,000/yr (net price) | ||
Chippewa Valley Technical College’s 32-credit PN program in Eau Claire runs one year face-to-face and highlights a 100% NCLEX first-time pass rate and an 86% job placement rate. Graduates average a reported starting salary of $56,550, often landing at Mayo Clinic, a direct employer pipeline. The net price of $12,285 is offset by median earnings of $46,297 a decade after enrollment; the 50% institution-wide graduation rate and 72% retention signal a solid support system.
| |||||
| #7 | Western Technical College | La Crosse, WI | $5,000 – $7,000/yr | ||
Western Technical College in La Crosse provides a PN diploma approved by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, emphasizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practice. The program reports high NCLEX-PN pass rates and is campus-based, though specific completion or placement statistics are thinner in public data. Its 34.1% institution-wide graduation rate and 45% retention rate are among the lower figures in this ranking, but the small student-faculty ratio of 9:1 may benefit nursing students seeking closer mentorship, and the net price remains a moderate $11,008.
| |||||
| #8 | Madison Area Technical College | Madison, WI | $14,000/yr (net price) | ||
Madison Area Technical College’s PN diploma is available at Fort Atkinson and Madison campuses, with fall and spring starts. The 33-credit program requires the HESI or ACT for admission and carries no application fee. It ladders into Madison College’s own ADN program, keeping the entire pathway within one institution. The net price is $14,238, the highest among public colleges here, but median earnings of $45,413 and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio help balance the cost.
| |||||
| #9 | Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | Green Bay, WI | |||
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin’s Practical Nursing Diploma is a hybrid program based in Green Bay that combines online theory with in-person labs and clinicals at approved Wisconsin facilities. There are no prerequisite courses or waiting lists, and eight start dates per year allow for flexible enrollment. Graduates can complete the 56-credit diploma in as few as 12 months, but the net price is not publicly reported and the median debt of $20,899 is the highest in this ranking, alongside median earnings of $39,080.
| |||||
| #10 | Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa | Wauwatosa, WI | $15,000/yr (net price) | ||
Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa offers a 12-month, 41-credit PN diploma on campus, with ACEN accreditation and Wisconsin Board of Nursing approval. Clinical internships are arranged through partnerships with HCA Hospitals and Sentara Healthcare, though the latter extends outside the region. The school serves a high-need population (86.8% Pell recipients), but the graduation rate is just 19.7% and net price reaches $14,858, while median earnings a decade later fall to $32,568, the lowest in this ranking.
| |||||
Costs for LPN programs in Wisconsin vary widely, with net prices after aid ranging from $9,112 at Milwaukee Area Technical College to $14,858 at Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa. The net price shown is an institution-wide average, not a program-specific guarantee, but it provides a useful comparison point when combined with other factors. Pell Grant recipient shares, often exceeding 60% at these schools, indicate that many students qualify for federal need-based aid, while median graduate debt figures help gauge potential future obligations.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (After Aid) | Pell Grant Recipients (%) | Median Graduate Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | $5,184 | $7,427 | $9,112 | 80.6% | $14,955 |
| Lakeshore Technical College | $4,844 | $7,087 | $9,653 | 73.8% | $7,000 |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | $4,960 | $7,233 | $9,918 | 73.9% | $11,719 |
| Western Technical College | $4,820 | $7,078 | $11,008 | 66.8% | $11,500 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $5,040 | $7,283 | $11,407 | 67.4% | $10,402 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $4,844 | $7,087 | $12,285 | 64.0% | $11,432 |
| Gateway Technical College | $4,956 | $7,199 | $12,928 | 75.9% | $12,165 |
| Madison Area Technical College | $4,977 | $7,255 | $14,238 | 66.1% | $14,060 |
| Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa | $20,288 | $20,288 | $14,858 | 86.8% | $21,549 |
Most practical nursing diploma programs in Wisconsin are designed to get you into the workforce quickly. Across the Wisconsin Technical College System, the standard timeline is compact but rigorous, typically fitting into one calendar year.1
Students who enroll full-time and follow the day schedule generally complete the LPN program in 12 months. That includes classroom instruction, skills labs, and supervised clinical rotations. The curriculum totals about 32 credits2, spread across two semesters with a possible summer term. A fall-start cohort, for example, can expect to finish by the following spring or early summer. Chippewa Valley Technical College2 and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College3 both structure their practical nursing diplomas within this one-year framework.
Working adults often need a slower pace. Many WTCS colleges let you stretch the diploma over five semesters part-time3, taking evening or weekend classes. This path can run roughly 18 to 24 months, depending on how many credits you carry each term. Evening and weekend sections are fairly common, especially at larger campuses, so you can keep a job while training.
Several schools also offer multiple start dates each year, including spring or summer entry, which can shorten the wait to begin. Some colleges may offer fastest LPN programs through an accelerated cohort if demand is high, but that varies by campus. Check with the admissions office for current scheduling options.
The number of terms you spend in school directly influences total expenses. A 12-month schedule means you pay for books, supplies, and any per-credit fees in a compact window, but you start earning wages sooner. A longer part-time path spreads costs over more semesters, which can ease monthly budgeting but may increase overall spending due to ongoing fees. Financial aid eligibility can also shift: Pell Grants and state awards are prorated by enrollment intensity, so part-time students often receive proportionally smaller disbursements. Before choosing a pace, talk with the financial aid office to map out your expected costs and aid package.
As nursing shortages sharpen, the licensing exam pass rate has become a non-negotiable quality marker for aspiring LPNs. Wisconsin’s practical nursing programs consistently clear a high bar, and the 2024 numbers reveal several standouts.
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) publishes annual first-time pass rates for every approved LPN program. For the 2024 testing cycle, the following schools posted results that prospective students should review carefully:
A perfect pass rate does not happen by chance. It reflects rigorous preparation, targeted NCLEX-style test practice, and faculty commitment to student success. For the two programs that hit 100%, every graduate who sat for the exam in 2024 passed on the first attempt.
To interpret these results, it helps to step back and look at the broader picture. Across all Wisconsin LPN programs reporting in 2024, the collective first-time pass rate approached 96%. This figure consistently outpaces the national average for NCLEX-PN candidates. In 2024, the national first-time pass rate for US-educated practical nursing graduates hovered around 87%. Wisconsin’s programs, as a group, are performing well above that benchmark.
Even the lowest rate in the list above, Bryant and Stratton’s 85.88%, sits just under the national mark. A rate in the mid-80s is not alarming by national standards, but it does warrant a closer look, especially if you have multiple acceptance offers.
A program’s NCLEX-PN pass rate is one of the most transparent indicators of instructional quality. Here is what it reveals:
When comparing programs, look for pass rates consistently above 90%, and ideally above the state average. A single year of perfect performance is a great sign, but checking results over two or three years can give a more balanced view.
All figures in this section originate from the Wisconsin DSPS, which compiles NCLEX-PN results reported by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). DSPS updates pass rates annually, making it the most reliable source for evaluating how Wisconsin LPN programs perform on the licensing exam.
Getting into a Wisconsin LPN program means meeting a set of academic and non-academic requirements that vary across the state’s technical colleges. Most programs expect a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA, and a passing score on a nursing entrance exam (typically the TEAS). These benchmarks help schools identify students ready for the rigor of practical nursing coursework and clinical training.
The typical Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) LPN program requires a high school diploma or GED and a minimum cumulative GPA. At Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) the GPA floor is 2.51; Gateway Technical College asks for 2.64, while Fox Valley Technical College sets a higher bar at 2.8. Entrance exam scores are equally important. MATC requires a TEAS score of 58.7% or higher1, and applicants may take the test up to three times to reach that threshold.1 Other schools accept alternative exams: Fox Valley Technical College considers ACT scores, and Madison College accepts HESI or ACT results. Some programs also impose recency limits on qualifying coursework: at MATC, prerequisite science courses must have been completed within the last five years.1
Not all Wisconsin LPN programs use the same selection model. Many WTCS campuses operate on a waitlist system: once you meet the minimum qualifications, you are placed on a list and offered a seat when one becomes available. MATC1 and Moraine Park Technical College3 both use this approach. MATC, for example, fills 60 seats each semester from its waitlist.1 Other programs may admit students competitively based on GPA and test scores, meaning a stronger application moves you up the queue. Because clinical placements are limited, even open-enrollment colleges often have more qualified applicants than spots, so applying early and aiming higher than the minimum requirements is a smart move.
If your GPA falls short, several strategies can strengthen your application. Retaking the TEAS or a similar entrance exam is a direct way to offset a lower GPA: MATC allows three attempts, and a higher score demonstrates academic readiness. Repeating prerequisite courses like anatomy or biology to earn a better grade can also raise your overall GPA. Some students complete general education requirements first to show they can handle college-level work before entering the nursing program. Additionally, consider schools with slightly lower GPA minimums, such as Northcentral Technical College (2.5)2, or explore bridge programs for medical assistants that may have different entry points.
Most Wisconsin LPN programs require specific prerequisite courses, typically one semester of anatomy and physiology with a lab, often with a grade of B or better (MATC mandates a B- in anatomy1). Other common prerequisites include biology, math, and sometimes chemistry or medical terminology. Beyond academics, all programs require a criminal background check and up-to-date immunization records. Northcentral Technical College2, Moraine Park Technical College3, and Gateway Technical College4 all list these as mandatory. Health requirements generally include proof of MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and tetanus vaccinations, plus a recent TB test and annual flu shot. Some clinical sites may also require drug screening. These non-academic components are just as critical as test scores: a missed clearance can delay or cancel your start date.
On-campus LPN programs offer face-to-face instruction and immediate access to lab equipment, while online-friendly options promise flexibility for working students. Understanding what 'online' really means in nursing education is critical before you enroll.
There are no fully online LPN programs in Wisconsin, and for good reason: the state requires all practical nursing students to complete supervised clinical rotations in real healthcare settings. These hands-on hours, typically around 400-500, cannot be replicated virtually. When you see 'online LPN programs' advertised, it almost always refers to a hybrid model, not a 100% online path. Setting this expectation early will save you time and help you focus on programs that actually lead to licensure.
A hybrid LPN program splits the curriculum into two parts: didactic coursework delivered online, and in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. Among Wisconsin schools, Rasmussen University’s Green Bay campus offers a Practical Nursing Diploma with a hybrid format that combines self-paced online classes with on-campus labs and clinical experiences. Most other programs on our list remain campus-based, though some may incorporate a few online assignments into otherwise traditional schedules. If you are considering a hybrid option, verify exactly how much of the program is online and where clinical sites are located.
Hybrid study works best if you have strong time management and reliable internet access. It can make balancing work or family easier, but you’ll still need to be physically present for labs and clinicals, often weekly or in intensive weekend sessions. If a fully structured classroom environment suits you better, a traditional campus program may be the safer choice. Either way, the endpoint is the same: eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-PN and begin work as a licensed practical nurse.
What does a licensed practical nurse earn in Wisconsin right now? The average (mean) annual wage for LPNs in the state sits at $61,040, based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2024. This lands just below the national median of $62,340, but the full earning picture is more nuanced, where you work, your experience, and your practice setting all shift the numbers substantially.
The BLS also offers a window into the low and high ends of the pay scale for Wisconsin LPNs. In 2024, the statewide 10th percentile annual wage was $50,560 ($24.31/hour), meaning 10% of LPNs earned at or below this threshold. At the opposite end, the 90th percentile reached $74,880 ($36.00/hour). For comparison, national percentiles from the prior year (2023) showed a 10th percentile of $45,670, a 25th percentile of $50,640, a median of $59,730, a 75th percentile of $67,140, and a 90th percentile of $77,870. Wisconsin’s floor is notably higher, while the ceiling sits a bit lower, suggesting a more compressed, but solid, earning band.
Pay varies considerably by location across Wisconsin. While the BLS does not publish city-level medians for every metro area, LPNs in larger healthcare hubs typically command higher rates. In the Milwaukee-Waukesha area, salaries often run $3,000 to $5,000 above the state mean, thanks to a dense concentration of hospitals and specialty clinics. Madison, with its mix of academic medical centers and private practices, sees similar upward pressure. Green Bay and the Fox Cities region offer competitive pay, though generally a notch below Milwaukee. In rural and northern counties, wages more frequently cluster near the statewide 10th percentile, in the low $50,000s, but the lower cost of living in those areas can offset the difference.
Nationally, LPN employment is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034. Wisconsin-specific projections are less precise, but the state’s aging population keeps demand steady, particularly in long-term care, home health, and outpatient clinics. Three of the largest employers of LPNs in Wisconsin are Advocate Aurora Health, Marshfield Clinic Health System, and SSM Health. Each operates dozens of sites, from urban hospitals to rural clinics, and frequently lists LPN openings in medical-surgical, primary care, and skilled nursing settings. Home health agencies and county-run nursing homes also provide a significant share of jobs. New graduates who are flexible about shift and location often find multiple offers, especially in regions with fewer nursing professionals.
LPN earnings can differ by thousands of dollars depending on where you work in Wisconsin. Use this chart to compare median annual wages across major metro areas and see how they stack up against the statewide and national medians.
Practical nurses who want to expand their scope and earning potential can move into registered nursing through structured bridge programs. Wisconsin’s technical college system and a handful of private universities have designed pathways that respect the education and clinical experience LPNs already bring.
Within the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), LPN-to-ADN bridge tracks are built on articulation agreements that award advanced standing for prior nursing coursework and licensure. Instead of starting an associate degree in nursing from scratch, qualified LPNs enter the program at an accelerated point. Gateway Technical College, for instance, admits bridge students directly into the third semester of its ADN sequence.1 Waukesha County Technical College follows a personalized progression model that minimizes repetition of content already mastered during LPN training.2 Moraine Park Technical College offers a designated LPN to ADN Bridge Track leading to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.3
Several additional WTCS colleges provide LPN-to-ADN pathways, each with its own admission criteria and credit-granting policies.4 These include: - Lakeshore Technical College - Mid-State Technical College - Northcentral Technical College - Northwood Technical College - Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
All of these programs evaluate an applicant’s practical nursing transcript and current LPN license to determine exactly which credits transfer and how much time can be shaved off the traditional two-year ADN timeline.
The most tangible benefit of a bridge program is the shortened path to the NCLEX-RN. Most bridge students save at least one full semester of coursework, and some may advance through a year’s worth of credits depending on transfer evaluation. This compressed schedule means lower total tuition and a faster return to the workforce as a registered nurse, where Wisconsin RNs earn a median wage notably higher than their LPN counterparts.
For LPNs aiming directly for a bachelor’s degree, Herzing University operates an LPN-to-BSN pathway with Wisconsin campuses in Brookfield, Kenosha, and Madison.4 The program is designed to accept LPN credentials and weave them into a baccalaureate nursing curriculum, preparing graduates for RN licensure and broader career opportunities in leadership, community health, or graduate study. While not part of the WTCS network, Herzing’s model fills a gap for nurses seeking a university-based bridge without first earning an ADN.
This FAQ addresses common questions about LPN programs in Wisconsin, summarizing key details from program costs and salaries to licensure and academic requirements. Use these concise answers to quickly navigate your nursing education journey.
